e-Auctions: A suppliers’ survival guide

e-Auctions place component manufacturers in an environment where price is the only differentiator. Buyers can use e-Auctions to leverage any volume at any time against undefined competitors. It seems that minimal value is assigned to quality, technology, capacity, R&D investments, design assistance, VMI or ease of doing business. The reverse auction is even a more difficult environment for the supplier, unlike any other profit threat ever imagined.ECA’s Summer Meeting will help suppliers navigate the turbulent waters of the e-Auction. It will focus on the steps that are required to prepare for an auction, the follow-up, the auction itself, the fall-out, and the aftermath. Each auction is unique and has an impact not just for those involved, but for all suppliers that participate in any given marketplace. Issues for discussion:- Buyer's experience from preparation, day of auction, share assignment afterwards, and typical price reductions achieved.- The supplier's perspective.- e-Auction software features, options, safeguards, and benefits of using the e-Business process.- An independent expert to validate the real situation and perhaps anticipate where it's heading.- Interactive discussion with buyer, suppliers, independent expert and audience.Everyone who participates will benefit from two roundtable discussions that will provide an informal give-and-take on e-Auctions. If you have been there, at the end of this session you will know more; if you have not been there, you will be better prepared; and if you are not sure, then you cannot afford to miss this opportunity.Quotes"There’s a benefit to sharing information on e-auctions between the buy and sell sides of an organization."e-Business Manager Dow Chemical"Using e-auctions to quickly bring unleveraged spend under control may be more effective than pursuing higher and higher cost savings on an existing managed spend."e-Supply Strategy DirectorMotorolaJune 15-18, 2003, Westin Resort, Hilton Head Island, SCScheduleJune 15, SundayWelcome ReceptionJune 16, MondayMarketing Services MeetingsCMSC – Preliminary AgendaRMSC – Preliminary AgendaIMSCJune 17, Tuesdaye-AuctionsReception/DinnerJune 18, Wednesday (AM Only)e-Auctions (continued)